Lens driving apparatus, camera module, and camera-equipped mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

A lens driving apparatus includes: a lens holder including an auto-focusing first coil; a lens holder moving section; driving magnets disposed at four corners of the lens holder moving section; a camera-shake correction second coil; a plurality of suspension wires; an elastic member; and at least one damper compound, wherein the elastic member comprises first and second leaf springs mounted to first and second ends of the lens holder moving section, respectively, the second leaf spring is arranged apart from the fixed member compared to the first leaf spring, the fixed member is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the first leaf spring, the plurality of suspension wires extend along the first direction, are fixed to the fixed member and the second leaf spring, and the damper compound is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the second leaf spring.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.15/197,807, filed on Jun. 30, 2016, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 14/138,321, filed on Dec. 23, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,405,088; which claims the benefit of priority from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2012-282762, filed on Dec. 26, 2012, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lens driving apparatus for use in acamera equipped with an auto-focusing function and a camera-shakecorrection function, a camera module, and a camera-equipped mobileterminal.

Description of Related Art

Conventionally, as a camera installed in a mobile terminal such as asmartphone, a camera equipped with an auto-focusing function and acamera-shake correction function is known. Such a camera adopts a lensdriving apparatus that automatically focuses on a subject to be capturedby moving a lens barrel and can reduce an image defect by correcting acamera-shake (vibration) when capturing an image (for example,WO2011/021559).

A lens driving apparatus disclosed in WO2011/021559 includes a lensholder moving section that supports a lens holder in which a lens barrelis fixed, wherein the lens holder is supported in such a manner as to bemovable in the optical axis direction. In this lens driving apparatus,an auto-focusing first coil is disposed around the lens barrel (lensholder), and a permanent magnet is disposed to the lens holder movingsection, whereby an auto-focusing lens driving section (hereinafterreferred to as AF lens driving section) is configured. The AF lensdriving section moves the lens holder in the optical axis direction byutilizing an electromagnetic force (Lorentz force) which acts on a firstcoil when a current is passed through the first coil, to thereby performauto-focusing.

In addition, in the lens driving apparatus disclosed in WO2011/021559, asecond coil is disposed in a spaced relationship with an auto-focusingpermanent magnet in the optical axis direction, whereby a camera-shakecorrection lens driving section is configured. The camera-shakecorrection lens driving section moves the lens holder moving section andthe lens holder along a plane orthogonal to the optical axis directionby utilizing an electromagnetic force which is generated when a currentis passed through the second coil, to thereby perform camera-shakecorrection.

The portion at which the second coil is disposed is referred to as afixed section since the portion does not move at the time of thecamera-shake correction, whereas the lens holder and the lens holdermoving section are referred to as a movable section since they rock atthe time of the camera-shake correction. The movable section issupported to the fixed section by a supporting member such as asuspension wire for example so as to be able to rock.

In the above-mentioned manner, the AF lens driving section and thecamera-shake correction lens driving section share the permanent magnet,whereby the size and thickness of the lens driving apparatus can bereduced.

Generally, a lens holder moving section has an external form which issquare in plan view as viewed in the optical axis direction, andincludes a substantially circular (which encompasses regular polygons)holder housing section which is formed at a center portion andconfigured to house a lens holder. A permanent magnet for auto-focusingand camera-shake correction is composed of a cuboid bar magnet, anddisposed along the four sides defining the external shape of the lensholder moving section. That is, the permanent magnet is disposed inparallel with the outer periphery of the product. In addition, thesecond coil making up the camera-shake correction lens driving sectionhas an ellipsoidal form with rounded corners matching the form of thepermanent magnet. The second coil is also disposed in parallel with theouter periphery of the product.

As used herein, the term “plan view” means a plan view in the opticalaxis direction.

In recent years, because of a trend toward multi-functionality of mobileterminals and the advent of thin devices such as smartphones, there hasbeen a growing demand for further reduction in size and thickness.However, it is difficult to achieve further size reduction with theconfiguration of the conventional lens driving apparatuses.

More specifically, the conventional lens driving apparatus requires asufficient space for disposing the permanent magnet in parallel with theouter periphery of the product around the holder housing section of thelens holder moving section. In addition, the external size of the fixedsection at which the second coil is disposed is substantially the sameas the lens holder moving section, which also hinders miniaturization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a lens drivingapparatus, a camera module, and a camera-equipped mobile terminal whichcan achieve miniaturization in comparison with conventional technology.

A lens driving apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention includes: a lens holder to which a lens barrel can beattached, the lens holder including an auto-focusing first coil; a lensholder moving section that is square as viewed in a plane orthogonal toa first direction along an optical axis, the lens holder moving sectionbeing configured to support the lens holder in such a manner that thelens holder is movable in the first direction; a driving magnet disposedat four corners of the lens holder moving section, the driving magnetbeing configured to move the lens holder in the first direction incooperation with the first coil; a camera-shake correction second coilconfigured to move the lens holder in a second direction and a thirddirection in cooperation with the driving magnet, the second directionand the third direction corresponding to diagonal directions of the lensholder moving section; and a supporting section configured to supportthe lens holder moving section in such a manner that the lens holdermoving section is movable in the second direction and the thirddirection.

A camera module according to an embodiment of the present inventionincludes: the above-mentioned lens driving apparatus; a lens barrel heldby the lens holder; and an imaging section configured to capture asubject image formed by the lens barrel.

A camera-equipped mobile terminal according to an embodiment of thepresent invention includes the above-mentioned camera module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the appended drawings whichare given by way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as adefinition of the limits of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of acamera module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of alens driving apparatus to be covered by a shield cover;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a camera module;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a movable section ofthe lens driving apparatus;

FIG. 5 illustrates magnetizing directions of position detecting magnets;

FIG. 6 illustrates the operating principle of auto-focusing in the lensdriving apparatus;

FIG. 7 illustrates the operating principle of camera-shake correction inthe lens driving apparatus;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate external shapes of the lens driving apparatusof the embodiment and a conventional lens driving apparatus, forcomparison; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a modification of a position detecting section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance ofcamera module M according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of lensdriving apparatus 1 to be covered by shield cover 2. FIG. 3 is anexploded perspective view illustrating camera module M. FIG. 4 is anexploded perspective view illustrating movable section 10 of lensdriving apparatus 1.

For the description, orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, and Z) is used,as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the X directionis the front-rear direction (depth direction), the Y direction is thehorizontal direction (width direction), and the Z direction is thevertical direction (height direction).

In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the Z direction is the optical axis direction of alens. In addition, the intermediate directions between the X and Ydirections, or in other words, the diagonal directions in plan view inthe Z direction of camera module M are u direction and v direction. TheZ direction, u direction, and v direction correspond to a firstdirection, second direction, and third direction in the presentinvention, respectively.

Camera module M illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is a camera module to bemounted to a smartphone, for example. Camera module M is equipped withauto-focusing function and camera-shake correction function, and iscapable of automatically focusing on a subject to be captured and ofcapturing images without image blurring by correcting camera-shake(vibration) when capturing images.

Camera module M includes a cylindrical lens barrel (not illustrated)that houses a lens, lens driving apparatus 1 that moves the lens barrelto perform auto-focusing and camera-shake correction, an imaging section(not illustrated) that captures an image of a subject, shield cover 2that covers the entire camera module M, and the like.

Shield cover 2 is a box that covers the outer peripheral surface of lensdriving apparatus 1. The upper surface 2 a of shield cover 2 is square,and the lens barrel (not illustrated) faces the outside through circularopening 2 b formed on upper surface 2 a. That is, camera module M issquare in plan view, and lens driving apparatus 1 covered by shieldcover 2 also is square in plan view.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, lens driving apparatus 1 includesfixed section 20 which is fixed so as to be unmovable when camera moduleM is mounted to a mobile terminal or the like, and movable section 10that rocks in the X-Y plane with respect to fixed section 20. Movablesection 10 is disposed upwardly of fixed section 20 (in the Z1direction) with a gap therebetween, and supported by a supporting membersuch as suspension wire 30 so as to be able to rock.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, movable section 10 includes lensholder 11, magnet holder 12, permanent magnet 13, upper spring 14, lowerspring 15, spacer 16, position detecting magnet 17, and the like. Magnetholder 12, upper spring 14, lower spring 15, and spacer 16 make up alens holder moving section that supports lens holder 11 so as to bemovable in the Z direction.

Lens holder 11 includes first coil 111, upper coil holder 112, and lowercoil holder 113.

First coil 111 is an air-core coil through which a current flows at thetime of auto-focusing, in which a wire is wound in a substantiallyoctagonal cylindrical form.

Upper coil holder 112 is an annular frame formed in an octagonal shapein plan view matching the external shape of first coil 111. Upper coilholder 112 includes protrusions 112 a protruding radially outwardly. Onthe upper surface of protrusion 112 a, boss 112 b on which to attachupper spring 14 is formed.

Lower coil holder 113 is an annular frame formed in an octagonal shapein plan view matching the external shape of first coil 111. Lower coilholder 113 includes protrusions 113 a protruding radially outwardly. Onthe bottom surface of protrusions 113 a, boss 113 b on which to attachlower spring 15 is formed.

Upper coil holder 112 and lower coil holder 113 tightly sandwich firstcoil 111. In other words, lens holder 11 is a vertically-separable lensholder, and cylindrical barrel housing section 11 a is formed by theinner peripheral surfaces of first coil 111, upper coil holder 112, andlower coil holder 113. In lens holder 11, the inner peripheral surfaceof first coil 111 is exposed. The lens barrel (not illustrated) is fixedto barrel housing section 11 a.

In the above-mentioned manner, in lens driving apparatus 1, lens holder11 is made up of first coil (111) composed of an air-core coil, and acoil holding member (upper coil holder 112 and lower coil holder 113)that tightly sandwich first coil (111), and the inner peripheral surfaceof first coil (111) is exposed.

In comparison with a coil in which a wire is wound around the outerperipheral surface of a coil holder, the coil internal diameter isreduced by the thickness of the coil holder, which is effective inminiaturizing lens driving apparatus 1.

The lens barrel (not illustrated) is fixed to barrel housing section 11a of lens holder 11 by bonding. Although there is a possibility that aforeign matter such as dust enters lens driving apparatus 1 in the casewhere the lens barrel (not illustrated) is threadedly engaged with lensholder 11, such a defect can be prevented by the above-described fixingmethod.

Magnet holder 12 has a square cylindrical form which is square in planview. Magnet holder 12 is provided, at its four corners, with magnethousing sections 12 a at which permanent magnets 13 are disposed. Magnethousing sections 12 a are each formed in an isosceles trapezoidal formin plan view matching the external shape of permanent magnet 13.

Recesses 12 b are formed at substantially the center of the four sideson the upper surface of magnet holder 12. Protrusions 112 a of uppercoil holder 112 are disposed at respective recesses 12 b.

In addition, two bosses 12 e, on which to attach upper spring 14, areformed at each of the four corners on the upper surface of magnet holder12. In addition, protruding portions 12 g are formed at the four cornerson the upper surface of magnet holder 12 so as to surround suspensionwires 30.

Recesses 12 c are formed at substantially the center of the four sideson the bottom surface of magnet holder 12. Protrusions 113 a of lowercoil holder 113 are disposed at respective recesses 12 c. The depth ofrecess 12 c is so set that it is sufficiently greater than the height ofprotrusion 113 a of lower coil holder 113. The depth of recess 12 climits the migration length of lens holder 11 at the time ofauto-focusing.

In addition, on the bottom surface of magnet holder 12, recess 12 dadjacent to recess 12 c is formed at the two sides facing each other inthe X direction. Position detecting magnet 17 is disposed at recess 12d. In addition, one boss 12 f on which to attach lower spring 15 andspacer 16 is formed at each of the four corners on the bottom surface ofmagnet holder 12.

Permanent magnet 13 is a magnet having an isosceles trapezoidal columnarform. Permanent magnet 13 is disposed at magnet housing section 12 alocated at the four corners of magnet holder 12 with the long side ofthe isosceles trapezoid being positioned on the radially inner side.Specifically, four permanent magnets 13 are disposed to face first coil111 in the u direction and the v direction. Magnet holder 12 andpermanent magnet 13 define a space having an octagonal shape in planview, in which lens holder 11 can move in the Z direction.

Permanent magnet 13 is magnetized in such a manner that a magnetic fieldorthogonal to the radial direction is formed at first coil 111. Here,permanent magnet 13 is magnetized in such a manner that the innerperiphery side thereof is N pole, and the outer periphery side thereofis S pole.

Upper spring 14 is a leaf spring made of beryllium copper, nickelcopper, stainless-steel, or the like, for example and is composed ofequally-shaped four members. Upper spring 14 includes magnet holderattaching section 14 a to be fixed to the upper surface of magnet holder12, and lens holder attaching section 14 f to be fixed to the uppersurface of lens holder 11 (upper coil holder 112). Upper spring 14elastically supports lens holder 11 with respect to magnet holder 12.

Magnet holder attaching section 14 a has a form corresponding to acorner on the upper surface of magnet holder 12. In magnet holderattaching section 14 a, engagement hole 14 d which engages with boss 12e formed on the upper surface of magnet holder 12 is formed. Inaddition, in magnet holder attaching section 14 a, wire fixation hole 14e into which an end of suspension wire 30 is inserted is formed.

Between lens holder attaching section 14 f and magnet holder attachingsection 14 a, arm section 14 b extending along the external shape oflens holder 11 is formed. Engagement hole 14 c which engages with boss112 b of upper coil holder 112 is formed in lens holder attachingsection 14 f.

Similarly to upper spring 14, lower spring 15 is a leaf spring made ofberyllium copper, nickel copper, stainless-steel, or the like, forexample, and is composed of equally-shaped four members. Lower spring 15includes magnet holder attaching section 15 a to be fixed to the bottomsurface of magnet holder 12, and lens holder attaching section 15 e tobe fixed to the bottom surface of lens holder 11 (lower coil holder113). Lower spring 15 elastically supports lens holder 11 with respectto magnet holder 12.

Magnet holder attaching section 15 a has a form corresponding to acorner on the bottom surface of magnet holder 12. In magnet holderattaching section 15 a, engagement hole 15 d which engages with boss 12f formed on the bottom surface of magnet holder 12 is formed.

Between lens holder attaching section 15 e and magnet holder attachingsection 15 a, arm section 15 b extending along the external shape oflens holder 11 is formed. Engagement hole 15 c which engages with boss113 b of lower coil holder 113 is formed in lens holder attachingsection 15 e.

At the time of fitting lens holder 11 to magnet holder 12, boss 12 e ofmagnet holder 12 is inserted into engagement hole 14 d of magnet holderattaching section 14 a of upper spring 14, and fixed by thermal welding,for example. In addition, boss 112 b of upper coil holder 112 isinserted into engagement hole 14 c of lens holder attaching section 14f, and fixed by thermal welding or bonding.

Further, boss 12 f of magnet holder 12 is inserted into engagement hole15 d of magnet holder attaching section 15 a of lower spring 15, andengagement hole 16 a of spacer 16 disposed below lower spring 15, andfixed by thermal welding, for example.

In addition, boss 113 b of lower coil holder 113 is inserted intoengagement hole 15 c of lens holder attaching section 15 e, and fixed bythermal welding or bonding.

Thus, lens holder 11 is elastically supported by upper spring 14 andlower spring 15 in such a manner that lens holder 11 can be displaced inthe Z direction in the state where lens holder 11 is positioned withrespect to magnet holder 12.

In addition, when four protrusions 113 c formed on the bottom surface oflower coil holder 113 contact the upper surface of spacer 16, theentirety of lens holder 11 is lifted in the optical axis direction bythe height of protrusion 113 c, whereby upper spring 14 and lower spring15 are caused to generate a back tension.

At this time, protrusions 112 a of upper coil holder 112 are looselyfixed to recesses 12 b formed on the upper surface of magnet holder 12,and protrusions 113 a of lower coil holder 113 are loosely fixed torecesses 12 c formed on the bottom surface of magnet holder 12. Further,lens holder attaching section 14 f of upper spring 14 is distanced fromthe upper surface of magnet holder 12 by the height of protrusions 113 cformed on the bottom surface of lower coil holder 113.

Specifically, by the distance between lens holder attaching section 14 fof upper spring 14 and the upper surface of magnet holder 12, a backtension is generated at upper spring 14, and lens holder 11 (protrusions112 a) is pressed toward magnet holder 12. In addition, lens holderattaching section 15 e of lower spring 15 is distanced by the sameamount as upper spring 14, and accordingly a back tension is generated.With this configuration, in a non-energizing state, lens holder 11 doesnot move even when the posture of lens driving apparatus 1 is turnedupside down. From this standard state, lens holder 11 moves upward (Z1direction) at the time of auto-focusing (at the time of energization).

Position detecting magnets 17A and 17B are disposed in recesses 12 dformed on the bottom surface of magnet holder 12 (see FIG. 5). Positiondetecting magnets 17A and 17B are cuboid bar magnets. Position detectingmagnet 17A is obliquely magnetized in the v direction, and positiondetecting magnet 17B is obliquely magnetized in the v directionorthogonal to the u direction. The position of movable section 10 in thev direction can be detected by detecting the magnetic field formed byposition detecting magnet 17A, and the position of movable section 10 inthe u direction can be detected by detecting the magnetic field formedby position detecting magnet 17B. The magnetic fields formed by positiondetecting magnets 17A and 17B are detected by Hall devices 24A and 24Bdisposed to face position detecting magnets 17A and 17B in the Zdirection.

In addition, also in the case where position detecting magnet 17A isobliquely magnetized in the u direction and position detecting magnet17B is obliquely magnetized in the v direction, Hall devices 24A and 24Bcan detect the position of movable section 10 in the u direction and thev direction.

It is to be noted that, as position detecting magnets 17A and 17B,commonly used bar magnets magnetized in the longitudinal direction orthe short direction may also be used. In this case, position detectingmagnets 17A and 17B are obliquely disposed so that the magnetizingdirection corresponds to the u direction or the v direction.

Fixed section 20 includes coil board 21, base member 22, and the like.

Similarly to magnet holder 12, coil board 21 is square in plan view, andcircular opening 21 a is formed at the center of coil board 21. Inaddition, at the four corners of coil board 21, wire fixation hole 21 binto which the other end (lower end) of suspension wire 30 is insertedis formed.

At the four corners of coil board 21, camera-shake correction secondcoil 23 is disposed to face permanent magnet 13. Second coil 23 has aform of an isosceles trapezoid with rounded corners in plan view so asto correspond to the form of permanent magnet 13. The form, arrangement,and the like of permanent magnet 13 and second coil 23 are so set thatthe radial edges of permanent magnet section 13 fall within thecross-sectional width of the coil, or more specifically, are so set thatthe magnetic field radiated from permanent magnet 13 in the Z directiontraverses the opposing two sides of second coil 23 and returns topermanent magnet 13. With this configuration, the driving force(electromagnetic force) for moving movable section 10 in the XY planecan be efficiently generated.

Similarly to coil board 21, base member 22 is square in plan view, andcircular opening 22 a is formed at the center of base member 22.

In addition, fixed section 20 includes a position detecting section thatdetects the position of movable section 10 in the XY plane, or moreconcretely, the position in the u direction and the v direction. In thisexample, as the position detecting section, Hall devices 24A and 24B areattached to base member 22. Hall devices 24A and 24B are disposed atrespective positions facing detecting magnets 17A and 17B. Hall devices24A and 24B are magnetic sensors that detect a magnetic field byutilizing Hall effect. When the magnetic field formed by positiondetecting magnets 17A and 17B is detected by Hall devices 24A and 24B,the position of movable section 10 in the XY plane can be detected.

In the above-mentioned manner, lens driving apparatus 1 includes theposition detecting section that detects the position of the lens holdermoving section (magnet holder 12, upper spring 14, lower spring 15, andspacer 16) in the second direction (the u direction) and third direction(the v direction).

To be more specific, lens driving apparatus 1 includes: a first positiondetecting magnet (position detecting magnet 17B) disposed along a sideof the lens holder moving section (12, 14, 15, 16) and magnetized in thesecond direction (the u direction); and a second position detectingmagnet (position detecting magnet 17A) disposed along a side of lensholder moving section (12, 14, 15, 16) different from the side alongwhich first position detecting magnet is disposed and magnetized in thethird direction (the v direction). The position detecting section ismade up of first Hall device (24B) disposed to face first positiondetecting magnet (17B) in the first direction (the Z direction), andsecond Hall device (24A) disposed to face second position detectingmagnet (17A) in the first direction (the Z direction).

Since components (such as coil, for example) having an influence on themagnetic field formed by position detecting magnets 17A and 17B are notdisposed between position detecting magnets 17A and 17B and Hall devices24A and 24B, the accuracy in the detection of magnetic field by Halldevices 24A and 24B is improved.

Movable section 10 and fixed section 20 are coupled by a supportingmember such as suspension wire 30. To be more specific, four suspensionwires 30 extend along the Z direction, and support the entirety ofmovable section 10 in such a manner that movable section 10 can rock inthe XY plane. An end (upper end) of each of four suspension wires 30 isinserted into protruding portion 12 g of magnet holder 12, and fixed towire fixation hole 14 e of upper spring 14 by soldering. The other end(lower end) of each of four suspension wires 30 is inserted into wirefixation hole 21 b of coil board 21, and fixed by soldering.

It is to be noted that two of four suspension wires 30 are used also forsupplying electricity to first coil 111. In addition, the number ofsuspension wires 30 is not limited to four, and it suffices that aplurality of suspension wires 30 are provided.

A damper (not illustrated) is disposed between magnet holder 12 andupper spring 14 so as to surround suspension wire 30. Specifically,magnet holder 12 includes protruding portions 12 g protruding radiallyoutwardly at the four corners of magnet holder 12. Protruding portions12 g are each provided at a position near wire fixation hole 14 e insuch a manner as to surround suspension wire 30 with a gap therebetween.The damper (not illustrated) is disposed between protruding portion 12 gand upper spring 14 in such a manner as to surround suspension wire 30.The damper (not illustrated) can be readily applied by using a dispenserfor example. For example, ultraviolet curable silicone gel (trade name:TB3168E, viscosity: 90 Pa·s) available from ThreeBond Co., Ltd. may beemployed as the damper (not illustrated). It is to be noted that thedamper (not illustrated) is not limited to the ultraviolet curableresin, and any materials may be used as long as a damper effect isobtained.

Since unnecessary resonance is suppressed by disposing the damper (notillustrated) between magnet holder 12 and upper spring 14 in such amanner as to surround suspension wire 30, the operation of lens drivingapparatus 1 is remarkably stabilized. In addition, since the damper (notillustrated) reduces the impact which is caused when the apparatus isdropped, the impact resistance of lens driving apparatus 1 is improved.

In addition, Hall devices 24A and 24B and a sensor board (notillustrated, FPC: Flexible printed circuits) on which a control sectionis mounted are disposed between coil board 21 and base member 22, as theimaging section. Further, an imaging device (not illustrated) isdisposed below base member 22. The imaging device (not illustrated) iscomposed of a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a complementarymetal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, or the like, for example.The imaging device (not illustrated) captures a subject image formed bymeans of the lens barrel (not illustrated), converts this image into anelectrical signal, and outputs this signal to the control section (notillustrated).

The control section (not illustrated) performs auto-focusing bycontrolling the current to be passed through first coil 111. Inaddition, the control section (not illustrated) performs camera-shakecorrection by controlling the current to be passed through second coil24 on the basis of the position detection signal detected by two Halldevices 24A and 24B so as to offset the rock detected by two directiongyros (not illustrated).

FIG. 6 illustrates the operating principle of auto-focusing in lensdriving apparatus 1.

When auto-focusing is performed in lens driving apparatus 1, permanentmagnet 13 and first coil 111 cooperate with each other to move lensholder 11 in the Z direction. That is, the AF lens driving sectionincludes permanent magnet 13 and first coil 111. To be more specific, inorder to perform auto-focusing, the AF lens driving section moves lensholder 11 in the Z direction by utilizing an electromagnetic force(Lorentz force) which acts on first coil 111 when a current is passedthrough first coil 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, at first coil 111, a radially inward magneticfield is formed by permanent magnets 13. Accordingly, when acounterclockwise AF current is passed through first coil 111, upwardelectromagnetic force F_(AF) (Lorentz force) is generated in first coil111 according to Fleming's left hand rule. As a result, lens holder 11(lens barrel) moves in the Z1 direction.

Since the magnitude of an electromagnetic force generated in first coil111 changes when the value of the AF current changes, automatic focusingis achieved by controlling the value of AF current to adjust themigration amount of lens holder 11 (lens barrel).

It is to be noted that when lens holder 11 keeps on moving in the Z1direction at the time of auto-focusing, protrusions 113 a finally comeinto contact with recesses 12 c of magnet holder 12, and thus furthermovement thereof is limited.

In other words, in lens driving apparatus 1, lens holder (11) includes aprotrusion (protrusions 113 a of lower coil holder 113) protrudingradially outwardly, and the lens holder moving section (magnet holder12) includes an engaging section (recesses 12 c) which is to be engagedwith the protrusion (113 a) and restricts the movement of lens holder(11).

With this configuration, recesses 12 c of magnet holder 12 function as aphysical stopper at the time of auto-focusing, whereby damage and thelike can be prevented when movable section 10 excessively moves due tomalfunction.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operating principle of camera-shake correction inlens driving apparatus 1.

When camera-shake correction is performed in lens driving apparatus 1,permanent magnet 13 and second coil 23 cooperate with each other to movelens holder 11 in the XY plane. That is, the camera-shake correctionlens driving section includes permanent magnet 13 and second coil 23. Tobe more specific, in order to perform auto-focusing, the camera-shakecorrection lens driving section moves lens holder 11 in the XY plane byutilizing an electromagnetic force (Lorentz force) which acts on secondcoil 23 when a current is passed through second coil 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, at second coil 23A disposed in the u1direction, a magnetic field that traverses second coil 23A in the Zdirection is formed by permanent magnet 13A. Accordingly, when aclockwise IS current is passed through second coil 23A, a u2-directionalelectromagnetic force is generated in second coil 23A according toFleming's left hand rule. Since second coil 23A is fixed, as a reactionthereto, u1-directional Force F_(IS) acts on permanent magnet 13A.

In addition, at second coil 23B disposed in the u2 direction, a magneticfield that traverses second coil 23B in the Z direction is formed bypermanent magnet 13B. Accordingly, when a counterclockwise IS current ispassed through second coil 23B, a u2-directional electromagnetic forceis generated in second coil 23B according to Fleming's left hand rule.Since second coil 23B is fixed, as a reaction thereto, u1-directionalForce F_(IS) acts on permanent magnet 13B.

As a result, lens holder 11 (lens barrel) moves in the u1 direction asmovable section 10.

Conversely, when a counterclockwise IS current is passed through secondcoil 23A, and at the same time a clockwise IS current is passed throughsecond coil 23B, lens holder 11 (lens barrel) moves in the u2 directionas movable section 10.

Likewise, when an IS current is passed through second coils 23C and 23Ddisposed in the v1 direction and v2 direction, lens holder 11 can bemoved in the v1 direction or v2 direction.

In the above-mentioned manner, lens driving apparatus 1 includes: lensholder (11) that has auto-focusing first coil (111) disposed around thelens barrel (not illustrated) and holds the lens barrel; the lens holdermoving section (magnet holder 12, upper spring 14, lower spring 15, andspacer 16) that is square as viewed in a plane orthogonal to the firstdirection (the Z direction) along the optical axis and supports lensholder (11) in such a manner that lens holder (11) is movable in thefirst direction (the Z direction); a driving magnet (permanent magnet13) that is disposed at the four corners of lens holder moving section(12, 14, 15, 16) and moves lens holder (11) in the first direction (theZ direction) in cooperation with first coil (111); camera-shakecorrection second coil (23) that moves lens holder (11) in the diagonaldirection of lens holder moving section (12, 14, 15, 16), that is, inthe second direction (the u direction) and third direction (the vdirection), in cooperation with driving magnet (13); and the supportingsection (fixed section 20, suspension wire 30) that supports the lensholder moving section (12, 14, 15, 16) in such a manner that the lensholder moving section is movable in the second direction (the udirection) and third direction (the v direction).

According to lens driving apparatus 1, since the driving magnet(permanent magnet 13) and second coil (23) are disposed at the fourcorners of the apparatus which is square in plan view to effectivelyutilize the dead space in the conventional lens driving apparatuses, thespace for disposing driving magnet (13) and second coil (23) can bereduced, and miniaturization can be achieved in comparison withconventional apparatuses.

It is obvious that the external shape of camera module M according tothe embodiment (see FIG. 8A) is smaller than that of the conventionalcamera module (see FIG. 8B) when substantially the same external shapeof first coil 111 and substantially the same thickness of the permanentmagnet are employed as illustrated in FIG. 8.

The present inventor estimates that the conventional lens drivingapparatus having a size of 11.5 mm×11.5 mm can be miniaturized to thesize of 8.5 mm×8.5 mm, by more than 45% in planar dimension.

While the invention made by the present inventor has been specificallydescribed based on the preferred embodiments, it is not intended tolimit the present invention to the above-mentioned preferred embodimentsbut the present invention may be further modified within the scope andspirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.

For example, as position detecting magnets 17A and 17B, commonly usedbar magnets which are magnetized in the longitudinal direction or theshort direction may also be used. In this case, position detectingmagnets 17A and 17B are obliquely disposed so that the magnetizingdirection corresponds to the u direction or the v direction.

In addition, while position detecting magnets 17A and 17B are disposedat two sides of magnet holder 12 facing each other in the embodiment,position detecting magnets 17A and 17B may also be disposed at adjacenttwo sides. Also in this case, it suffices that one of position detectingmagnets 17 is magnetized in the u direction and the other of positiondetecting magnets 17 is magnetized in the v direction.

In addition, it is also possible to dispose position detecting magnets17A and 17B on fixed section 20 side, and Hall devices 24A and 24B onthe movable section 10 side.

In addition, it is also possible that, as illustrated in FIG. 9, Halldevice 24A, which detects the position of movable section 10 in the udirection, is disposed to face one of permanent magnets 13A and 13B (inFIG. 9, permanent magnet 13A) in the Z direction with a gaptherebetween, and Hall device 24B, which detects the position of movablesection 10 in the v direction, is disposed to face one of permanentmagnets 13C and 13D (in FIG. 9, permanent magnet 13C) in the Z directionwith a gap therebetween. Here, permanent magnets 13A and 13B aredisposed to face each other in the u direction, and permanent magnets13C and 13D are disposed to face each other in the v direction.

In this case, since permanent magnets 13A and 13C are used for theposition detection, it is not necessary to dispose position detectingmagnets 17A and 17B unlike the embodiment. However, since second coils23A and 23C are disposed between permanent magnets 13A and 13C and Halldevices 24A and 24B, a magnetic field which is generated when a currentis passed through second coils 23A and 23C is undesirably detected byHall devices 24A and 24B. In other words, under the influence of amagnetic field which is generated when a current is passed throughsecond coils 23A and 23C, the detection accuracy of Hall devices 24A and24B may be decreased.

In view of the above, when permanent magnets 13A and 13C are used forthe position detection, it is preferable to employ separation-typecoils, as second coils 23A and 23C, which are each separated at thecenter thereof in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. 9.By disposing Hall devices 24A and 24B just below the portions wheresecond coils 23A and 23C are separated, it is possible to prevent theproblem that the detection accuracy of Hall devices 24A and 24B isdecreased by a magnetic field which is generated when a current ispassed through second coils 23A and 23C.

Further, as the position detecting section that detects the position ofmovable section 10 in the XY plane, an optical sensor composed of acombination of a photointerrupter and a reflection plate may beemployed.

While camera module M and lens driving apparatus 1 to be mounted in asmartphone are described in the embodiment, the camera module and thelens driving apparatus according to the embodiment of the presentinvention are applicable to laptop computers, tablet personal computers,mobile terminals such as mobile game machines, Web cameras, and cameraapparatuses such as in-vehicle cameras.

The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an exemplification and shouldnot be considered as limitative. The scope of the present invention isspecified by the following claims, not by the above-mentioneddescription. It should be understood that various modifications,combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending ondesign requirements and other factors in so far as they are within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lens driving apparatus comprising: a lensholder to which a lens barrel can be attached, the lens holder includingan auto-focusing first coil; a lens holder moving section that isrectangle as viewed in a plane orthogonal to a first direction along anoptical axis, the lens holder moving section being configured to supportthe lens holder in such a manner that the lens holder is movable in thefirst direction; driving magnets disposed at four corners of the lensholder moving section, the driving magnet being configured to move thelens holder in the first direction in cooperation with the first coil; acamera-shake correction second coil configured to move a movable sectionin a second direction and a third direction in cooperation with thedriving magnet, the movable section including the lens holder, the lensholder moving section, and the driving magnet, the second direction andthe third direction corresponding to diagonal directions of the lensholder moving section; a fixed member disposed apart from the movablesection in the first direction, the fixed member including the secondcoil; a plurality of suspension wires configured to support the movablesection with respect to the fixed member in such manner that the movablemember is movable in the second direction and the third direction; anelastic member configured to support the lens holder in such manner thatthe lens holder is shiftable in the first direction, the elastic memberbeing mounted to the lens holder moving section; and at least one dampercompound disposed so as to enclose at least one of the plurality ofsuspension wires, the damper compound being configured to suppressunnecessary resonance in the lens holder moving section, wherein: thelens holder moving section has first and second ends opposite to eachother in the first direction, the elastic member comprises first andsecond leaf springs mounted to the first and the second ends of the lensholder moving section, respectively, the second leaf spring is arrangedapart from the fixed member compared to the first leaf spring, the fixedmember is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the first leafspring, the plurality of suspension wires extend along the firstdirection, and have first end portions fixed to an outer portions of thefixed member and second end portions fixed to a wire fixation part ofthe second leaf spring, and the damper compound is disposed at aposition in the vicinity of the second leaf spring.
 2. The lens drivingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder moving sectioncomprises an extending portion extending so as to enclose the at leastone suspension wire at a position in the vicinity of the wire fixationpart of the second leaf spring, and the damper compound is disposed inthe extending portion so as to enclose the at least one suspension wire.3. The lens driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstcoil is wound in a substantially octagonal cylindrical form.
 4. The lensdriving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder is anannular frame formed in an octagonal shape as viewed in a planeorthogonal to the first direction so as to match an external shape ofthe first coil.
 5. The lens driving apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the lens barrel is fixed to the lens holder by bonding.
 6. Thelens driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder iscomposed of: a first coil composed of an air-core coil; and a coilholding member configured to sandwich the first coil, and an innerperipheral surface of the first coil is exposed.
 7. The lens drivingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens holder moving sectioncomprises a magnet holder configured to hold the driving magnets, thelens holder comprises a protrusion protruding radially outwardly, andthe magnet holder comprises an engaging section which is to be engagedwith the protrusion and restricts movement of the lens holder.
 8. Acamera module comprising: the lens driving apparatus according to claim1; a lens barrel held by the lens holder; and an imaging sectionconfigured to capture a subject image formed by the lens barrel.
 9. Acamera-equipped mobile terminal comprising the camera module accordingto claim 8.